‘An amazing gift to give’: Growing support for B.C. products this holiday season

B.C.’s agriculture minister believes people are thinking about the value of food more – knowing extreme events can suddenly halt the supply chain.

After another pandemic year plagued by ongoing supply chain issues, wildfires and now devastating floods, a B.C. non-profit says it’s more important than ever to support local businesses, farmers, and manufacturers.

LOCO BC, which uses engagement to raise awareness about the economic and community benefits of independent businesses, said small operations with under fifty employees make up 98 per cent of businesses in our province.

This holiday season, the demand for local products is high at Windsor Quality Meats in Vancouver’s Riley Park shopping district.

“Customers are more mindful to make the choice and ask ‘Hey is this coming from a local supplier?’” said butcher Raul Granucci. “And I’m happy to say ‘yes.’”

Most of Windsor’s cuts come from the flood-ravaged Fraser Valley where Granucci said the supply of some products like poultry, has been disrupted by the disaster.

“I order heavy, maybe get half of what I ask for,” he told Global News.

But unlike the early days of COVID-19 when customers hoarded food and other essentials, Granucci said shoppers are now sharing the limited bounty of items like fresh chicken — and only buying what they need.

B.C.’s agriculture minister has seen a shift through the pandemic and recent flooding, and believes people are thinking about the value of food more – knowing extreme events can suddenly halt the supply chain.